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Rivers, Bayelsa Settle Rift Over Disputed Soku Oil Wells

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soku Oil Wells

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers and Bayelsa States Governments have affirmed their commitments towards resolving their differences through brotherly dialogues.

At a Christmas meeting at the Government House ,Port Harcourt on Friday December 28,2024 ,Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Bayelsa counterpart Douye Diri ,expressed their determination to end the long standing feud between the two States over the Soku Oil Wells .

The Source reports that the two sister-states have been engaged in hot disagreement over issues relating to the ownership of the prized Soku oil wells and some properties in the Rivers state capital inherited by Bayelsa at its creation out of the former.

Besides the issues of the oil well and properties, Governor Diri, who led some Bayelsa State officials on a  Christmas visit to his Rivers state colleague assured that the two States will be  intentional in fostering peaceful coexistence among their people.

During the visit, which was perceived to be in response to an earlier one in the year by his Rivers counterpart, Senator Diri also appreciated all the efforts so far made by Governor Fubara in peacefully resolving some other long standing issues between the two states .

He particularly thanked his Rivers state colleague for working in concert ,with him to reach an agreement over the disputed Soku Oil Wells ,as well as the take over of  Bayelsa state  properties in Rivers state.

Most of the properties he noted, were appropriated by past Rivers state administrations leading to the institutionalization of a legal action at the Supreme Court by Bayelsa state.

On his part, Governor Fubara noted that it is in the best interest of Rivers state to amicably settle all areas of disagreements between the two sister-states.

He stated that the historical ties between the States, which were once one, has made it more imperative for issues to be amicably resolved.

The Rivers State Governor, therefore, called for more understanding and cooperation, between the two states in the over all  interest of growth and development.

Oluwo Of Iwo Throws Weight Behind Introduction Of Sharia Law In South West

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi - Oluwo of Iwo

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the criticism that trailed the Introduction and Establishment of Sharia Courts and Laws in the South West By various Yoruba Youth Groups and Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has supported the call to introduce Sharia Law in the South-West.

The Monarch argued that Sharia law had been in practice in Yoruba for a long time.

He stressed that the Law came after an Islamic organisation planned the inauguration of a Sharia council scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo, Oyo State.

The criticism and public outcry that trailed this development led to the postponement of the inauguration indefinitely.

The event drew criticism from a cross-section of Nigerians, with many arguing that the predominantly Yoruba Southwest was distinct from the Northern region, where Muslims were in the majority.

Reacting to the development, the Oluwo of Iwo said that the Sharia law was already in Yoruba land.

He said, “We have Sharia banks in the South-West, and these banks operate according to Sharia law. Sharia law has been in Iwo for over 100 years, and there is a Sharia college in Iwo. It’s the right of Muslims to choose Customary Law or the High Court.

“Many Muslims feel disenfranchised when it comes to the sharing of inheritance and divorce matters. Western education doesn’t understand the ways of Muslim divorce, marriage, and inheritance. Sharia law is in the constitution of Nigeria, and it’s visible in the North, where there are Nigerians. Anywhere we have Muslims, there is Sharia.

“If any other person likes it, they can convert to Islam, and Muslims can also convert to Christianity. Everyone is free. Sharia shouldn’t be a problem for other religions. No government can deny Muslims their inalienable rights,” he explained.

France-Bound Businessman Nabbed By NDLEA For Ingesting 74 Wraps Of Heroin, Cocaine

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur- a 48-Year Old Business Man

By Akinwale Kasali

Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur, a 48-Year Old Business Man was arrested by the National Drug Law  Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, for ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine while attempting to board an Air France flight to Paris, France.

According to an official statement from the agency, “Orizu was apprehended at the boarding gate during the outward clearance of passengers on Air France Flight 844. Upon being asked to undergo a body scan, he declined, citing a medical condition. However, he was taken into custody for observation, where he excreted 74 wraps of the illicit substances over seven days.”

In his confession, Orizu admitted to owning a shop at Balogun Market, Lagos Island, where he sells school and travel bags. He revealed that he was promised €3,000 upon successful delivery of the drugs in Paris and chose the Abuja airport to evade detection.

In another operation, NDLEA’s Marine Command intercepted two boats carrying 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud (a potent strain of cannabis) at Eleko Beach, Lekki, Lagos, on December 24, 2024, at 2:30 AM.

Six foreign nationals were arrested during the operation: Two Ghanaians: Godsway John (38) and Freedom Kelvin (33).

Four Beninese – Chegoun Hounsou (23), Gadabor Nyameto (47), Adantg Sasa (34), and Ayao Kayivi (21).

In Katsina State, on December 25, 2024, Ibrahim Shaibu (35) was arrested at Central Motor Park with 40 parcels of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 35kg.

Also, On December 28, 2024, along the Zaria-Malumfashi Road, Umar Ahmed (47) was apprehended with 27 parcels of cannabis weighing 13.5kg.

In Benin City, Edo State, Kosisochukwu Ozigbo (21) was arrested on December 23, 2024, during a raid. Recovered from him were: 32,490 pills of tramadol (225mg, 200mg, and 100mg); 936 bottles of codeine-based syrup; Various quantities of opioids.

Ten Political Parties Set For Ondo LG Poll

By
Ayodele Oni
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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, (ODIEC) has released names of the political parties that will be contesting in the local government election coming up next year.

ODIEC has fixed the council poll for January, 10.

Commissioner in charge of Communication, Media and Information Technology, Tunde Adeleye, disclosed this in Akure.

Adeleye in the statement, stated that “at the end of the screening exercise that took place at the ODIEC HQ last Friday, 10 political parties were cleared to take part in the election for the chairmanship position in the 18 local government areas and councillorship position in the 203 wards of the state.

“The 10 political parties are: All Progressive Congress ( APC), Labour Party (LP), Zenith Labour Party ( ZLP), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action People’s Party (APP), The Young Progressive Party(YPP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Action Democratic Party(ADP).”

According to ODIEC guidelines, campaigns by political parties has  commenced and will end on  January.

Disengaged Police Officers Seek Re-absorption As Directed By Industrial Court

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

Some recently disengaged Police Officers have appealed to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, to comply with the judgement of the National Industrial Court, which ordered their reinstatement.

The affected cops, claimed that their appointments were hurriedly terminated by the Nigeria Police Force, (NPF) when they were yet to attain retirement age.

They also pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to direct the IGP to comply with  the judgement of the National Industrial Court.

The aggrieved ex-cops, who are members of Courses 33, 34 and 35 of the Nigeria Police Academy, were said to have been  forcefully retired from the police service when they had not spent 35 years in service or attained 60 years of age.

The National Industrial Court, Abuja had delivered judgment in  the case since 2022, but the defendants – the IGP, the Police Service Commission and the Secretary of the Police Force, allegedly refused to enforce the judgment till date

In an open letter to the President, through their lawyer, Mr Olatoye Adejola, made available to our correspondent on Sunday, the aggrieved officers pointed out that the National Industrial Court had directed the IGP to re-engage them.

According to the letter, the Police ordered the concerned cops to report to Abuja in August 2024, for documentation with expectation that they would be reabsorbed into force, but after the documentation, nothing was heard from the force on the matter.

The letter reads, “We are solicitors to Police Officers who are members of Courses 33, 34 and 35 (Force Entrants) of the Police Academy of the Nigeria Police Force (hereinafter referred to as “our clients”) and on whose mandate we write this  letter of complaint as a corollary to our previous letters and other steps already taken by our clients to ease their long time suffering and pains as a result of inaction of the police authorities.

“We wish to express our deep concerns about the failure of the Inspector General of Police in ensuring compliance and implementation of the directive of the Commission to the effect that the Industrial Court judgment in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/281/2021 be enforced, and all officers affected by the judgment are to have their dates of appointment regularized.

“Our clients were very elated and optimistic when they received signals to report at Abuja between 12th and 16th August, 2024 for further documentation with a view to receiving their letter  of posting for the officers to resume at their duty posts and subsequently having their salary restored.

“However, over two months after the documentation had been concluded, no official statement was made or any information received from the IGP.

“Our clients are confused and at the same time in total dismay as they are in darkness as to what exactly is the problem, having completed the documentation processes.”

Police Arrests Three-man Gang Robbing Church Goers In Adamawa

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police Officer

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Adamawa State application authorities have announced the arrest of three members of the notorious “Shila Boys”, a gang of hoodlums that specialize in robbing ,maiming and hacking down unsuspecting residents.

A statement on Sunday, December ,29, 2024 from the State Police Command spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje SP, said the three “Shila Boys” were apprehended early Sunday morning ,while robbing several Christians on  their way to the last Service of the year.

Two members of the group, however, escaped, the police stated.

According to the Police, the hoodlums stationed themselves on  Bishop Street, a very busy and strategic road that connects to many  prominent and big Churches in Jimeta ,robbing and dispossessing Church goers early in the morning.

The street leads to such big Churches as Living Faith Church, a.k.a Winners Chapel, St Theresa Catholic Cathedral, the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Yola ,as well as other Orthodox  and new generation Churches.

The arrest, according to the police spokesman, was made following the  receipt of some credible intelligence by operatives who stormed the scene early Sunday morning.

However, the police noted that the suspects, before finally being arrested, attacked operatives with machetes, and other dangerous weapons in a bid to escape.

This, the Police stated, led to operatives resorting to the use of minimum force, which in turn resulted in the suspects being injured.

The Police spokesman  informed that the suspects  are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility, as well as assisting in its investigations .

“Upon reaching the scene,the suspects aggressively attacked the police officers with machetes and knives in an attempt to resist arrest .

“In a bid to neutralize the attack ,minimum   force was used..

“Three of the suspects were arrested ,while two others escaped ” Nguroge noted.

Several ATM Cards, phones and a tricycle were some of the items recovered from the suspects, the police stated.

Soludo To Dislodge Fake Native Doctors From Anambra, Launches Investigations Into Activities

By
Ayodele Oni
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Charles Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo

By Ayodele Oni

This seems to be the end of the road for fake native doctors in Anambra State as Governor Charles Soludo has launched investigation into their activities following reports that some of them  engage in human sacrifices.

It has also been revealed that some of them prepare charms for kidnappers and armed robbers.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor revealed that shocking revelations were uncovered upon investigation by some concerned individuals and organizations in the South East.

According to him, this necessitated the Governor’s decision to deal with the native doctors promoting practices alien to the Igbo culture of integrity, hard work and fear of God and thereby misleading the youths and turning the state into soulless society.

He assured that government onslaught has nothing to do with genuine traditional medicine or native doctors who are truly serving God and humanity.

The statement reads: “For the sake of the unsuspecting public, I want to address the recent disinformation generated in some desperate quarters over Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s stance on native doctors.

“To set the record straight, Governor Soludo never declared war on all native doctors, but rather on fake and devilish native doctors involved in criminal activities.

“Concerned individuals and organisations have been investigating native doctors in the South East and uncovered shocking revelations that reflect what Governor Soludo is saying.

“Some native doctors are involved in preparing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers and are believed to be involved in evil practices that may not exclude human sacrifices for money and protection.

“These diabolical rituals have given rise to Ego Mbute, Oke-Ite and Yahoo Plus as well as idolatry, making a speedy return to Igbo socio-cultural life.

“Governor Soludo, out of a sense of responsibility and responsiveness, has moved to root such diabolical and evil practices out, which have nothing to do with genuine traditional medicine or native doctors who are truly serving God and humanity.

“Governor Soludo has, therefore, emphasised the need to expose and deal decisively with native doctors aiding criminality, those promoting some esoteric practices alien to the Igbo culture of integrity, hard work, morality, and fear of God.

“His stance is not a blanket condemnation of traditional medicine or all native doctors but a targeted effort to root out those using so-called spiritual powers for criminal activities. They are misleading the youths and will turn the state into a soulless society if not stopped.

“The way forward requires greater clarity and understanding. We must recognise that not all native doctors are involved in criminal activities and that traditional medicine has a rich cultural heritage.

“So those genuinely practicing the trade have nothing to fear from Governor Soludo’s declaration. However, as we also acknowledge that fake native doctors are involved in criminal activities, they must be exposed and brought to justice as a way of sanitising the practice, rooting our criminality and preserving the state.

“The Governor implores Ndi Anambra to work together with the government to root out criminality and promote and uphold the culture of respect for human life, integrity, morality, hard work, and fear of God for which Ndi Anambra in particular and Ndi Igbo in general are reputed.

“Security is everybody’s business, and not that of government alone. So, if you see something, hear something, say something !”

Former President Jonathan Condoles With Jigawa Governor Over Death of Mother, Son

By
The Source
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Goodluck Jonathan and Umar Namadi

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commiserated with Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, over the passing of his son, Abdulwahab Namadi, who died in a car crash barely 24 hours after the passing of his motherHajiya Maryam Namadi.

In a condolence message issued on Friday the former President expressed sadness over the tragic loss, describing it as shocking and painful.

Dr. Jonathan stated: “I convey my deepest condolences to you and your family over the tragic loss of your beloved mother and son within such a short span of time. I am profoundly saddened by this devastating news, and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

“ Losing a cherished mother is an irreplaceable loss, as is the untimely demise of a beloved son. I cannot imagine the depth of pain you must be enduring. I want you to know that my heart goes out to you and your family. Please take solace in the Almighty’s grace and in the cherished memories of the moments you shared with them.

“May God Almighty grant you and your family the strength to bear these irreplaceable losses, and may He comfort youand bring you peace.”

FBN Holdings N149.58bn Rights Issue Closes Monday

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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FBN Holdings

Trading in FBN Holdings (FBN) Plc’s N149.575 billion rights issue will close on Monday, December 30.

The Holding Company had earlièr notified the investing public that it had obtained the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to extend the period of the rights issue by 18 days.

Consequently, trading in the Company’s Rights closes on Monday, December 30 2024.

FBNH has been under going a rights issue for 5.983 billion ordinary shares priced at N25.00 each, on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing six ordinary shares held as at the close of business on October 18, 2024, opened on November 4, 2024 and was supposed to close on December 12, 2024 before the extension.

The Company has reiterated that the proceeds of its N150 billion rights issue will be used to increase the tier 1 capital of its banking subsidiary, First Bank, as it grows its digital banking operations, and international activities.

As of September 30, 2024, the Corporation’s financial highlights include total assets of N27.49 trillion, N12.72 trillion in loans and advances, N21.22 trillion in customer deposits, N2.60 trillion in shareholders’ funds.
FBNH achieved N2.25 trillion in gross earnings with a return on equity (ROE) of 20.27 percent.
FBN Holdings Plc is a financial holding company and one of the largest financial services organisations in Africa.
It is a diversified and leading financial services Group offering a broad range of products and services through its subsidiaries, across commercial banking, merchant banking, capital markets, trusteeship and insurance brokerage to millions of customers.

Two Soldiers Killed, One Missing, As Troops Clash With Suspected IPOB/ESN Members

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army on Saturday December 28, 2024, informed that it lost two of its personnel while confronting some suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, the armed wing of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Army, however, announced the neutralization of some members of the proscribed  group in the fierce gun duel.

Writing on its official site the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze said one of its troops is still missing.

According to the statement, troops while coming back from a routine patrol, responded to a distress call in connection with an attack on Osina residents ,by suspected members of IPOB/ESN.

“Upon arrival, troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming fire- power, forcing the dissidents to withdraw in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two  security agents were killed in action and one other is missing

“Their weapons, an AK-47 riffle and tear gas launcher were carted away by the terrorists.

“The corpses  of the slain agents were recovered and the troops proceeded in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists” the Army wrote.

In another development ,the Brigade said that troops also encountered some suspected members of IPOB/ESN in Nkwachi community, resulting in the death of one of the terrorists.

In the face of the superior fire-power of the troops, other terrorists fled into  the nearby forest, the Army stated

According to the statement, one AK-47 riffle with fully loaded magazine was recovered from the fleeing terrorists.

“Also, troops recovered five AK-47 riffle, and five magazines bringing the total to six AK-47 riffles, a tear gas launcher.”

The Army noted that concerted efforts  are underway to track down fleeing members of the group

“Further exploitation is ongoing as troops will continue to trail the injured terrorists and smoke them out of their hideouts and places of treatment

“We urge all IPOB/ESN irredentists and other criminal elements hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops location or meet their waterloo as troops of the Brigade will continue to ensure that Imolites celebrate the Yuletide Season in peace without fear or intimidation” the Army stated.

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